For any queries related to registration, engine numbers, frame numbers or buying a Vincent motorcycle, the only Club Officials who have access to all the Factory (Works) Records up to 1954 (including dispatch records) and worldwide ownership details gathered by the Vincent H.R.D. Owners Club since 1948 are Simon Dinsdale (Machine Registrar) and Jonathan Lambley (Machine Researcher).

Never rely on Certificates of Authenticity or Dating Certificates issued years ago, nor information provided by sellers. You should always satisfy yourself that you know what you're buying before you bid/buy. Always do your own due diligence.

Buyer Beware: Real or Fake?

Well Known and Active Website User

The best advice when buying a Vincent is to contact the Club’s Machine Registrar or Machine Researcher BEFORE you buy it, to make sure it is legitimate.

We offer a free service and once we have good, clear photographs of the relevant numbers, we can quickly tell you if what you are looking to buy, agrees with the current VOC database. By just doing this one thing, you can potentially save yourself from losing a lot of money and your pride.

Like the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the VOC realised what had been happening with classic bikes in the past and as a result we changed the way we operate.

Over the years, machines have been restamped, documents forged, bikes cloned, and even photographs altered in order to legitimise a machine. Many people, including the VOC, have fallen victim to these practices.

The VOC have no control over what happens to a machine after a certificate has been issued. Bikes get rebuilt and parts swapped around, so never rely on old certificates as proof of legitimacy, and don’t take anything for granted.

Make sure you read our new caveat that @Josh Smith has now included at the top of Flogger’s Corner in MPH852 going forward.